On Thursday the LA Rams announced that Stetson Bennett will be their starting quarterback for their first preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Aug. 15. This is a major change from what head coach Sean McVay originally said just a few days ago when he shared Bennett might not play at all during the preseason.
Bennett however is getting the start over 2026 first round draft pick Ty Simpson as they continue to battle to be the Rams' backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford this season.
Rams adjusted their typical preseason strategy in Stetson Bennett's favor
The Rams typically do not play their established players at all during the preseason. Matthew Stafford hasn't played in the preseason in years, and just last year backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo didn't play at all either. If Bennett didn't play in the preseason he still could've been the Rams' backup this season, but the Rams completely changed how they typically do things.
Now Bennett will get a chance to play to further cement himself as the Rams' No. 2 quarterback on their depth chart. Intel out of training camp has indicated Bennett has been leading Simpson in their battle to be the backup, but Bennett needs every opportunity he can get to further prove himself.
Simpson will still play in the Rams game on Saturday. Sean McVay didn't say how much he expects both quarterbacks to play, but Bennett at worst should get a few series to show what he's made of. If Bennett can play well then he can improve his case for why he should be the Rams' backup this season, but if struggles and Simpson plays well then that could completely flip the script.
LA Rams gave Stetson Bennett a chance to further his NFL career
Regardless of what happens this season NFL experts and analysts believe the Rams will ride with Simpson as their future quarterback. Bennett's contract expires after this year, so he needs every opportunity he can get to prove himself before heading into next offseason, and starting this preseason game gives him that chance.
It would be a bit strange for the Rams to draft Simpson in the first round just for them to give up on him after one year. They drafted Simpson in hopes that he would be their next starting quarterback after Matthew Stafford retires, and no matter what happens this season that is unlikely to change.
Bennett is playing to secure his spot on the depth chart this season, but his future matters much more than that. If he plays well that might help convince another NFL team to sign him next year when he becomes a free agent. It could even lead another team to finially give him a chance to be a starting quarterback as well, which is something the Rams have never done.
Saturday is huge for Bennett. It could be his last chance at real playing time this season, so he needs to take full advantage of it. Georgia fans know how great he can be, but now he has to prove himself when the lights are shining bright.
Kickoff between the Rams and Chiefs is scheduled for 4:00 pm EST on Saturday, Aug. 15.
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